Corrosive Chemicals
Chemicals in some cleaning products can be irritating to the skin or can cause rashes.
Cleaning Chemicals
Cleaning products that contain corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns if splashed on the skin or in the eyes. Mists, vapors and/or gases from cleaning chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
Symptoms may include the following:
- burning eyes
- sore throat
- coughing
- red, itchy eyes
- skin and eye burns
- wheezing
- headaches or dizziness
- nosebleeds
- asthma
Eye Wash Facilities
Eyewash facilities are required in workplaces where corrosive chemicals are used, in HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities, and where there is any possibility that an employee’s eyes may be splashed with solutions containing 0.1 percent or greater formaldehyde. Here's a brief overview of the steps to take.
- Safety First: Ensure your safety before attempting to help the affected person. Wear appropriate protective gear like gloves and safety glasses if available.
- Immediate Flushing: Immediately rinse the affected eye with copious amounts of cool, clean, and preferably sterile water. Use an eyewash station, if available, or a steady stream of water from a faucet or a clean container. The affected person should keep their eye open as wide as possible during flushing to help wash away the chemical.
- Flush for an Extended Period: Continue rinsing the eye for at least 15-20 minutes, or as directed by medical personnel. Make sure the water flushes thoroughly over the eye, ensuring that all traces of the chemical are washed away.
- Remove Contact Lenses: If the person is wearing contact lenses, try to gently remove them after the first 5 minutes of flushing, if it can be done without causing further irritation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the person's eye appears to feel better after rinsing, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Some chemicals can cause delayed or long-term eye damage.
- Protect the Eye: While awaiting medical assistance, cover the injured eye with a clean, sterile dressing or a clean, moist cloth to prevent further contamination.
- Do Not Rub or Irritate: Advise the affected person not to rub or touch the eye, as this can exacerbate the damage.
- Avoid Using Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: Do not use over-the-counter eye drops or ointments unless directed by a medical professional, as these can sometimes worsen the situation.
Remember, the key to effective treatment is rapid and thorough rinsing with water, followed by prompt medical evaluation. The specific treatment may vary depending on the nature and severity of the chemical exposure, so professional medical advice is crucial in all cases of eye chemical splashes.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. If corrosive chemicals are splashed on the skin or in the eyes, it can cause _____.
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